Inflatable boxing glove or pillow

ABSTRACT

An air inflated boxing glove or pillow. The glove includes a casing having an axially disposed open ended tubular sleeve. The sleeve is encompassed by an annular cylindrical band to which bell shaped end shell sections are fixed along the opposite edges. The bell shaped sections are provided with axial openings in which the ends of the sleeve are fixed. An air valve is provided in the casing. A modified form of the boxing glove has a partition at one end of the cylindrical band to which one bell shaped end shell section is fixed about the periphery thereof. An opening is provided through the partition so that air may inflate the end shell section. A further modified form of the boxing glove eliminates one bell section, and a circular partition is provided in the tubular sleeve.

United States Patent 1191 Petrusek INFLATABLE BOXING GLOVE OR PILLOW[76] Inventor: Victor Petrusek, 18511 Gottschalk St, Homewood, 111.60430 Reissue of:

[64] Patent No.: 3,755,820

Issued: Sept. 4, 1973 Appl. No.: 318,231 Filed: Dec. 26, 1972 US.Applications:

[ 1 Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 229,009, Feb. 24, 1972, abandoned,which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 159,774,.1uly 6, 1971,abandoned.

I521 U.S.Cl. 2/18 [51} Int. Cl A41d 13/08 [58] Field of Search 2/16, 18,158; 5/337 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 972.224 10/1910Pease 2/18 1,050,648 8/1915 Travers ..2/18 1,053,204 2/1913 Morrison..2/18 X 1,826,221 10/1931 Pearson ..273/58 B 2,130,200 9/1938 Smith..2/l8 2,653,319 9/1953 Slizus ..2/18 2,705,148 3/1955 Waller ..273/58BX 2,817,088 12/1957 Vrana ..2/l8

[111 E Re. 28,480

[ Reissued July 15, 1975 2,826,757 3/1958 Vrana 2/18 2.881.445 4/1959Vrana 2/18 2,881,446 4/1959 Vrana 2/111 3,247,520 4/1966 Slizus Z/lti3,332,415 7/1967 Ericson 5/337 X FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 739,37710/1932 France 2/11-1 Prinmry E.\'umim'rAlfrcd R. Guest Attorney. Agent,or Firm-Sabin C. Bronson [57) ABSTRACT An air inflated boxing glove orpillow. The glove includes a casing having an axially disposed openended tubular sleeve. The sleeve is encompassed by an annularcylindrical band to which bell shaped end shell sections are fixed alongthe opposite edges. The bell shaped sections are provided with axialopenings in which the ends of the sleeve are fixed. An air valve isprovided in the casing.

A modified form of the boxing glove has a partition at one end of thecylindrical band to which one hell shaped end shell section is fixedabout the periphery thereof. An opening is provided through thepartition so that air may inflate the end shell section.

A further modified form of the boxing glove eliminates one bell section,and a circular partition is provided in the tubular sleeve.

12 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures Reissued July 15, 1975 Re. 28,480

3 Shoe ts-Sheot 1 INVENTUR VI TOR PETRUSEK BY v 5. W

ATT'YT Reissued July 15, 1975 Re. 28,480

3 Sheets-Shoot 3 Reissued July 15, 1975 Re. 28,480

3 Sheets-Shut 3 1 INFLATABLE BOXING GLOVE OR PILLOW Matter enclosed inheavy brackets[ ilappears In the original patent but forms no part ofthis reissue specification; matter printed in italics indicates theadditions made by reissue.

This application is a continuation-in-part of my application Ser. No.229,009 filed Feb. 24, 1972, now abandoned, which in turn is acontinuation-in-part of my application Ser. No. 159,774, filed July 6,1971. now abandoned.

BACKGROUND-SUMMARY-DRAWINGS The present invention relates to boxingpillows and more particularly to a lightweight boxing pillow capable ofbeing used by a child.

Boxing pillows of the type that are inflatable to provide the cushioningmedia are of lighter weight structure than the conventional paddedstructure. This lighter weight makes it possible for children of allages to use the pillow. At the same time the air inflated structureprovides a yieldable shock absorbing media which is capable ofprotecting the hands of the wearer and also prevents the user fromstriking damaging blows on an opponent.

Moreover, the air inflatable pillows of the foregoing type are capableof accommodating a wide range of fist sizes so that it is capable ofbeing used a number of years by a growing child. Another feature of theair inflated pillow resides in the absence of laces or the like toretain the glove secured on the users hand.

By the present invention it is proposed to provide an improved airinflated glove or pillow of the foregoing type.

The glove or pillow is made from a flexible material and comprisesgenerally an open ended tubular sleeve that provides a fist receivingpocket, a bell shaped end attached at each of the ends of the sleeve anda central annular band joining the inner ends of the bells to provide.with the end bells, an outer sheath or casing, forming air receivingchambers completely encompassing the sleeve between the open endsthereof. An air valve is provided in the sheath through which air ischarged into the chamber.

In the drawings:

FIG. I is a side elevational view ofa glove embodying the structure ofthe present invention;

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the glove;

FIG. 3 is a lengthwise cross-sectional view of the glove shown on thefist of the user;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view ofa glove embodying a modified form ofstructure of the invention;

FIG. 5 is an end elevational view of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a lengthwise crosssectional view of FIG. 4 shown on the fistof a user;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of a glove embodying a furthermodified form of structure of the invention;

FIG. 8 is an end elevational view of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of FIG. 7 shown with afist of the user inserted in the sleeve.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawingsthere is shown a boxing glove or pillow l0 embodying the structure ofthe present invention. The glove i0 is made from air impervious flexibleand resilient sheet material such as plastic. rubber or the like andincludes a tubular sleeve having open ends 12. Fixed to the sleeve endsin axial openings 13 are generally bell shaped end shells 14. The endshells may be fastened to the sleeve II as by means of heat sealing or asuitable adhesive.

Also fixed to the inner ends of the bell shaped end shells i4 is anannular band 15. The annular band 15 lies substantially midway betweenthe ends of the glove so as to form a substantially symetrical sheath orcasing l6 about the longitudinal center line as well as about thetransverse center line of the glove 10. The sheath 16 defines an airchamber 17 encompassing the sleeve 1 I.

An air valve 18 of substantially conventional structure is suitable forchargin and discharging air from the air chamber 77 I 177 fixed to thesheath 16. In the embodiment shown the air valve 18 is fixed in one ofthe end shells 14. To eliminate or minimize damage. the air valve 18 maybe of the type which lies substantially flush with the sheath 16.

In use a deflated glove i0 is generally applied on the clenched fist ofthe user. In the deflated condition the fist is easily inserted in oneof the open ends 12 due to the resiliency of the material from which theglove components are made. Thereafter the glove i0 is inflated bycharging the chamber l7 with air under pressure. The inflation of thebag causes the end bell sections to be expanded outwardly and the centerportion of the sleeve ll to normally constrict because of the tensionforces created by the expanding end bells and the air pressure, whilethe outer end sections are open to their maximum width as shown in theFigures. When the fist is inserted in one of the openings the inflationresults in constricting the sleeve II as described above, it is obviousthat the section of the sleeve 11 about the fist tightly grips thelatter and prevents the clenched fist from being withdrawn. At the sametime the portion of the sleeve on the opposite end of the fist is closedoff so that the knuckles of the hand are protected and further inwardmovement of the fist through the sleeve is prevented.

Thus the glove I0 is securely fastened on the clenched fist by the airpressure and the resiliency of the glove material.

To remove the glove from the fist. the hand is straightened whichlessens the surface contact of the sleeve therewith so that the hand maybe easily withdrawn from the sleeve, or the glove may be deflated formore convenient removal of the hand.

This is accomplished by evacuating the air through the air valve. As theglove deflates the end shells collapse at the ends and reduce thelengthwise tension on the sleeve II. This permits the sleeve II to forma sleeve of substantially uniform cross-section along its length. Inthis condition the fist may easily be withdrawn from the glove sleeve.

Now referring to the modification of the invention shown in FIGS. 4, 5and 6. In this modification the glove is formed of a central cylindricalportion 20; a circular partition 22 secured at its rim to and closingthe outer end of portion 20, an end segment 24 secured at its edge tothe rim of the partition 22; an inner end portion 26 secured at its rimto the inner end of cylindrical portion 20. End portion 26 has an axialopening 28 therein. to the edge of which is secured one end of acollapsible sleeve 30. Said sleeve extends axially within thecylindrical portion to the partition 22. to which the other end of saidsleeve is secured.

Section 20 has an air valve 30 therein by which an air chamber. definedby the cylindrical portion and end portions. may be inflated ordeflated.

As in the former modification. when the glove is deflated. the fist 32of a boxer may be inserted within the sleeve. the glove inflated untilthe sleeve 30 is constricted tightly about the fist of the boxer so thatin or dinary use it will not permit the boxers fist to extend furtherinto the sleeve.

So that the outer segment of the glove may also be inflated. thepartition 22 is provided with an opening 34 whereby the air underpressure may also inflate the end area of the glove.

in this modification the inflation and deflation of the glove isaccomplished as above described.

In the former modification it was found that sometimes in a hurry toapply the glove to the fists of the boxer the glove was not inflatedenough to secure the same tightly about the boxers fist and in suchunderinflated condition it might be possible for the boxers fist toslide through the sleeve and directly strike the body of his opponent.When properly inflated however. this would not happen. With themodification shown in FIGS. 4-6 this cannot happen.

In the modification of the invention shown in FIGS. 7. 8 and 9 adifference in structure is shown. in that the end segment of the gloveas shown at 24 in FIG. 6 and at 14 in FIG. 1 is eliminated. Otherwise,the structure is substantially the same. being composed of a centralcylindrical portion 40. a circular end partition 42 secured at its rimand closing the outer end of the cylindrical portion an inner endportion 44 secured at its rim to the inner end of cylindrical portion40. Extending axially between the circular end portions 42 and 44 is asleeve 46 secured at its outer end to end portion 42 and at its innerend to and about the margin of an annular axial opening 48 in endportion 44. This opening as in the other modifications permits entry ofa boxer's fist in applying the glove thereto.

A circular partition 50 is installed across the sleeve 46 about midwayof its ends to limit the extent the fist can extend therethrough. Thatportion of the sleeve between the partition 50 and the end portion 42 isprovided with air openings 52 so that when the cylindrical portion 40 isinflated it will similarly inflate the area of the sleeve 46 between thepartition 50 and the end portion 42 so that the whole area of the gloveexcept that occupied by the fist is inflated and forms a cushion tosoften the blows of a boxer.

The above description. taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawings. is believed to be amply sufficient to be understood by thoseversed in the art so that they can make and use the invention.

I claim:

I. A boxing glove made from resilient air impervious sheet materialcomprising an axially disposed open ended tubular sleeve. a sphericalcasing encompassing said sleeve defining an air chamber about saidsleeve. and means attaching said casing to said sleeve so that at leastone end of said sleeve remains open to permit insertion of a list intosaid sleeve. a partition extending over and closing the other end ofsaid sleeve. and means securing said partition to said casing to dividesaid casing into two air chambers. one of said air chambers comprising asegmentally shaped end air chamber. and an air inlet valve in saidcasing for inflating said chambers with air whereby upon inflation saidtubular sleeve is collapsed to firmly embrace and restrict movement of ausers fist inserted in said sleeve.

2. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said casing includes asegmentally shaped end section having an opening. said sleeve attachingmeans securing said open end of said sleeve to the edge of said openingin said segmentally shaped end section.

3. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein air communication meansis provided between said air chambers.

4. The invention as defined in claim 2 wherein said casing includes asecond segmentally shaped end section. and an annular band. and whereinsaid segmentally shaped end sections are symmetrically disposed aboutsaid sleeve.

5. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said partition includes arim. said partition securing means securing said partition about its rimto said casing.

6. A boxing glove made from resilient air impervious sheet materialcomprising an axially disposed open ended tubular sleeve. a sphericalcasing encompassing said sleeve defining an air chamber about saidsleeve, means attaching said casing to said sleeve so that at least oneend of said sleeve remains open to permit insertion of a fist into saidsleeve. a partition, means securing said partition to said sleeve. saidpartition spaced from said one open end of said'sleeve and from theportion of the casing in alignment with said sleeve to divide saideasing into two air chambers. one of said air chambers encompassing saidsleeve with the other air chamber located opposite said partition. andmeans in said casing for inflating said chambers with air.

7. The invention as defined in claim 6 wherein means are provided forair communication between said air chambers.

8. The invention as defined in claim 6 wherein said partition closessaid sleeve and prevents penetration of a fist in said sleeve beyondsaid partition.

9. The invention as defined in claim 6 including means attaching saidcasing to the other end of said sleeve. and wherein said partition issecured to said sleeve intermediate the ends thereof.

10. The invention as defined in claim 6 wherein said sleeve ismaintained axially within said casing by said means which attaches saidcasing to said sleeve.

11. A boxing glove made from resilient sheet material comprising anaxially disposed open ended tubular sleeve. a spherical casingencompassing said sleeve defining an air chamber about said sleeve andbeing attached to said sleeve so that at least one end thereof remainsopen to permit insertion of a fist into said sleeve, an air valve insaid casing for inflating said chamber with air, and said sleeveincluding constriction means for collapsing said tubular sleeve uponinflation of said chamber to form a constriction to firmly embrace andrestrict movement of the users fist inserted in said sleeve.

12. A boxing glove made from resilient air im' pervious sheet materialcomprising an axially disposed open ended tubular sleeve. a sphericalcasing encompassing said sleeve defining an air chamber about saidsleeve. and means attaching said casing to said sleeve so that at leastone end of said sleeve remains open to permit insertion of a fist intosaid sleeve. a partition extending over and closing the other end ofsaid sleeve. and means securing said partition to said casing to dividesaid easing into two air chambers. one of said air chambers comprising asegmentally shaped end air chamber. and an air inlet valve in saidcasing for inflating said chambers with UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICECERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. RE, 28, +8O Dated Julv 12 1975 InvVictor Petrusek It is certified that error appears in theabove-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are herebycorrected as shown below:

Claims 11 and 12 should appear in italicized type.

Signed and Scalcd this mm Day of December 1975 '[SEAL] Arrest:

RUTH C. MASON C. MARSHALL DANN Atlesting Officer Commissioner 0] Parentsand Trademarks

1. A boxing glove made from resilient air impervious sheet materialcomprising an axially disposed open ended tubular sleeve, a sphericalcasing encompassing said sleeve defining an air chamber about saidsleeve, and means attaching said casing to said sleeve so that at leastone end of said sleeve remains open to permit insertion of a fist intosaid sleeve, a partition extending over and closing the other end ofsaid sleeve, and means securing said partition to said casing to dividesaid casing into two air chambers, one of said air chambers comprising asegmentally shaped end air chamber, and an air inlet valve in saidcasing for inflating said chambers with air whereby upon inflation saidtubular sleeve is collapsed to firmly embrace and restrict movement of auser''s fist inserted in said sleeve.
 2. The invention as defined inclaim 1 wherein said casing includes a segmentally shaped end sectionhaving an opening, said sleeve attaching means securing said open end ofsaid sleeve to the edge of said opening in said segmentally shaped endsection.
 3. The inventiOn as defined in claim 1 wherein aircommunication means is provided between said air chambers.
 4. Theinvention as defined in claim 2 wherein said casing includes a secondsegmentally shaped end section, and an annular band, and wherein saidsegmentally shaped end sections are symmetrically disposed about saidsleeve.
 5. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said partitionincludes a rim, said partition securing means securing said partitionabout its rim to said casing.
 6. A boxing glove made from resilient airimpervious sheet material comprising an axially disposed open endedtubular sleeve, a spherical casing encompassing said sleeve defining anair chamber about said sleeve, means attaching said casing to saidsleeve so that at least one end of said sleeve remains open to permitinsertion of a fist into said sleeve, a partition means securing saidpartition to said sleeve, said partition spaced from said one open endof said sleeve and from the portion of the casing in alignment with saidsleeve to divide said casing into two air chambers, one of said airchambers encompassing said sleeve with the other air chamber locatedopposite said partition, and means in said casing for inflating saidchambers with air.
 7. The invention as defined in claim 6 wherein meansare provided for air communication between said air chambers.
 8. Theinvention as defined in claim 6 wherein said partition closes saidsleeve and prevents penetration of a fist in said sleeve beyond saidpartition.
 9. The invention as defined in claim 6 including meansattaching said casing to the other end of said sleeve, and wherein saidpartition is secured to said sleeve intermediate the ends thereof. 10.The invention as defined in claim 6 wherein said sleeve is maintainedaxially within said casing by said means which attaches said casing tosaid sleeve.
 11. A boxing glove made from resilient sheet materialcomprising an axially disposed open ended tubular sleeve, a sphericalcasing encompassing said sleeve defining an air chamber about saidsleeve and being attached to said sleeve so that at least one endthereof remains open to permit insertion of a fist into said sleeve, anair valve in said casing for inflating said chamber with air, and saidsleeve including constriction means for collapsing said tubular sleeveupon inflation of said chamber to form a constriction to firmly embraceand restrict movement of the user''s fist inserted in said sleeve.
 12. Aboxing glove made from resilient air impervious sheet materialcomprising an axially disposed open ended tubular sleeve, a sphericalcasing encompassing said sleeve defining an air chamber about saidsleeve, and means attaching said casing to said sleeve so that at leastone end of said sleeve remains open to permit insertion of a fist intosaid sleeve, a partition extending over and closing the other end ofsaid sleeve, and means securing said partition to said casing to dividesaid casing into two air chambers, one of said air chambers comprising asegmentally shaped end air chamber, and an air inlet valve in saidcasing for inflating said chambers with air.